Title

Authors

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2009

Keywords

Al-Qaeda, psychology of terrorism, AQ

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.1002/bsl.645

Abstract

Al‐Qaeda is widely regarded by the military, law enforcement, diplomatic, and intelligence communities as being the foremost threat to U.S. national security and safety. The nature of this threat, however, has changed since al‐Qaeda first emerged in the late 1980s. This article describes the emergence of a new form of transnational terrorism and details al‐Qaeda's progression from being an organization to an ideological movement. Drawing on a theory of social movements, we analyze its trajectory and the levels of influence. We also offer a behavioral perspective in explaining how al‐Qaeda has adapted as a learning organization with new leadership, tactics, and patterns of recruitment and training.